Tinubu: Kanu’s Release Not Tied To South-East Support – Umahi

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has clarified that the South-East’s backing of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid is not contingent upon the release of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Speaking to journalists on Friday night in Lagos, Umahi dismissed suggestions that the region was setting Kanu’s freedom as a bargaining chip for its political support.

“Someone asked me about Nnamdi Kanu, and I said his case is not a condition for the South-East to support the President. We are open to negotiating his release, but it shouldn’t be made a prerequisite because President Tinubu did not jail him,” Umahi stated.

The former governor of Ebonyi State praised Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as a reform-minded and responsive president whose policies have helped rebuild global confidence in Nigeria.

“President Tinubu may not be perfect, but he’s getting many things right. Look at the economic state he inherited. Today, the international community trusts his reforms, which is why they’re backing our projects,” Umahi added.

He highlighted several infrastructure initiatives underway in the South-East under Tinubu’s administration, pointing out that many roads long neglected by past governments are now being rehabilitated.

Umahi also rejected claims that the region was marginalized in federal appointments, arguing that the current administration had given the South-East greater representation than previous ones.

“Let those who criticise the President show us what they’ve contributed to the country,” he challenged.

Calling for unity among South-East political leaders, Umahi urged them to work with President Tinubu irrespective of party affiliations, noting that even opposition governors from the region were collaborating effectively with the Federal Government.

Addressing speculations about his political ambition, Umahi ruled out any interest in contesting for the presidency in 2027.

“I won’t run. I will work for my boss, President Tinubu. The APC is the vehicle to achieve our goals. The South-East now has a voice at the centre. We’re not going back to Egypt,” he declared.